Japanese Chamber donates $10k to Hawai’i Community College

Hawai‘i Community College Chancellor Noreen Yamane, pictured at center, receives a ceremonial $10,000 check from members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i, including JCCIH President Jon Arizumi, fourth from left, and JCCIH “A Taste of Hilo” Committee Chairman Chad Ogata, sixth from right.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i has donated $10,000 to Hawai‘i Community College, funds that were raised during the 14th Annual “A Taste of Hilo” event last fall.

JCCIH members attended a luncheon on Tuesday, March 12 at HawCC’s fine dining restaurant, Bamboo Hale, where they presented a $10,000 ceremonial check to Hawai‘i Community College Chancellor Noreen Yamane.

“Over the years, donations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i have funded student scholarships and faculty enrichment, purchased valuable educational equipment, been used to beautify our campus, and more,” said Yamane. “We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

“A Taste of Hilo” is a popular local event that JCCIH has hosted annually for 14 years. The most recent event, in October 2012, was sold out and featured more than 30 food vendors.

Keali‘i Lilly, a Hawai‘i Community College faculty member, also gave a presentation on the college’s Mala‘ai Garden, which was developed with the help of previous donations from JCCIH.

Jon Arizumi, JCCIH President, said one reason the organization supports higher education institutions like Hawai‘i Community College is so that “when students come out of college they are well-educated and ready for the workforce.”